How Does a Healthy Lifestyle Help Keep Glaucoma at Bay?

By Debbie Waddell, 9:00 am on February 14, 2017

Glaucoma is a serious medical condition that damages the optic nerve and results in a loss of vision. This condition is largely inherited and often remains undetected until a person starts to lose his or her eyesight. Adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle may, however, help keep this condition at bay. Roseville home care experts offer a few tips on how seniors can maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent glaucoma.

Eat Leafy Greens

Some forms of glaucoma are hereditary, but a healthy diet can lower the risk of this pervasive condition. Leafy greens contain a number of vital nutrients, including nitrates. After being digested, nitrates interact with the body to create a naturally occurring substance known as nitric oxide. The oxide chemical helps dilate vessels and prevents excessive blood pressure in the eyes.

Exercise the Right Way

Regular exercising can reduce the risk of developing many different medical complications. However, exercises that increase the blood pressure in the eyes can make glaucoma worse. As a general rule, most yoga poses can enhance cardiovascular health without exacerbating serious health conditions. When performing a yoga routine, seniors should avoid movements and positions that require lowering their head below their chest for more than a few seconds.

Take Metformin Supplements

Metformin is generally given to people with type 2 diabetes, but it is also beneficial to those who have a high risk of glaucoma. When taken daily, metformin reduces pressure in the eyes, as well as in many other areas of the body. According to a report on WebMD, metformin supplements can reduce an individual’s risk of glaucoma by 25 percent over the course of two years.

Quit Cigarettes and Alcohol

Alcohol and tobacco products can temporarily reduce pressure in the eyes, but long-term use makes glaucoma worse, which is why most doctors recommend seniors immediately quit both of these products as soon as they show any signs of glaucoma. Smoking can be problematic for those who have any issues with their eyes, and it has been closely tied to macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and dry eye syndrome.

Glaucoma leads to vision loss and makes seniors susceptible to falls and injuries. For this reason, you may want to consider live-in care in Roseville for your loved one. At Home Care Assistance, our caregivers offer exercise and mobility assistance, meal preparation, medication reminders, and many other services that can help your loved one overcome the challenges of glaucoma. Call one of our Care Managers today at 916.472.0605 to learn more about our live-in senior care programs.